Hazy Shade Of Winter- An Instant Star Holiday Fic
Chapter 3: Christmas Past, Part 2
Author's Note: Thanks to all who reviewed- Biminigirl15, Rachel, Tanya, missscarletbelle, samitiny, Mandy, judetomfan101 and my "live ones", M, R & V. So nice to share these special holiday "jommy" moments with you!
Chapter 3: Christmas Past, Part 2
"Here the salvation army band..."
"Down by the riverside..."
"It's bound to be a better ride..."
"Than what you got planned..."
"Carry your cup in your hand..."
Toronto's Symphony Hall glittered. The famed concert space naturally had been decorated elaborately for the holiday season. Large wreaths were placed symmetrically on the walls, adorned with red and gold bows. The large curtains surrounding the stage were a heavy dark crimson velvet, hiding the performers from the audience's eager view. Every seat in the large auditorium had been sold, and the posh chairs now contained the city's most elegant and influential people, dressed impeccably in expensive tuxedos, designer gowns and lavish jewels.
The glamour suited the unique occasion. For the first time ever, G-Major was sponsoring a special holiday benefit to raise money for cancer research. All their top artists would perform that evening. With the diverse range of artists now working at the label, the show promised something for everyone.
Which didn't mean it hadn't been difficulty to organize- quite the opposite! Backstage, its producer, Tommy Quincy stood critically scrutinizing every act as it took it's turn onstage. He nodded approvingly as country phenomenon Mason Fox opened the show and easily engaged the audience. He was followed by rising punk rocker, Patsy Sewer. There had been some concerns about including her among the performers, the worry being that her trademark loud, angry sound might offend this more conservative crowd. But watching her now, Tommy realized they had made the right decision. Her surprisingly sentimental, if still edgy, rendition of several classic carols, including "Winter Wonderland" pleased everyone.
Tommy watched as Patsy left the stage, leaving the audience ready for Speiderman Mind Explosion. Tommy relaxed somewhat as the three young men took the stage, dressed in their red suits, with Santa hats on their heads. Suprisingly, this part of the concert worried him a little less. He had spent the better part of the last year traveling with Jude and her backup band- now a sucessful solo act in their own right. While he had experienced quite a bit of insanity managing that tour, he knew that the SME boys were dedicated to their music, and would not allow anything to get in the way of their performance. Speed, Wally and Kyle did not disappoint him
His tension didn't increase again until their third Instant Star winner, R&B singer Karma took the stage. While the young woman was beautiful and talented, she also knew it, and her diva posture often annoyed everyone at G-Major. Of all their performers, she was the least reliable, especially when the center of attention was not solely on her. It had taken some persuasion to get her to agree to do the benefit- as part of an ensemble cast, and not as the main attraction. But she had at last conceded, and amazingly enough, was doing exactly what she had been told to do. Her popularity was undeniable, and she took the audience higher and higher.
Karma slithered off the stage as thunderous applause sounded. It was unclear whether it was just for her, or for the next performer, Shay. The 21 year old was the label's biggest hip-hop star- and Darius's nephew. Signing him had been a real coup. He rapped his way through several numbers, all gearing up to his duet, a highlight of the show.
Tommy felt Jude step up behind him, and he turned to look at her. She truly dazzled, in a vintage 1920's red silk "flapper" dress, with a sparkling rhinestone headband holding her auburn hair in place.
"You're beautiful..." he whispered, brushing a light kiss across her temple.
"You'll be great."
"Thanks" she whispered, as the stage manager cued her and she stepped into the spotlight. The applause greeting her entrance was the loudest of the night. Jude waited for it to subside and for SME to take their places behind her, before signaling them to begin. She smiled amiably at Shay, as the two began their famed duet.
"Friends are telling me I lost my mind."
"When I hooked up with you."
"Maybe that's true."
"They say that I'll wake up one day..."
"Asking what did I do."
"Maybe that's true, too..."
"But when I'm with you, everything's alright."
"All I know is how I feel..."
"When you're with me..."
"Waste my time..."
As always, Tommy stood as close to the stage as he could, watching her perform, first the duet and then her own music. His heart swelled with pride and affection. Inevitably, his mind traveled backwards to the night before; it had been pure magic.
After their candlelit dinner, Tommy followed Jude into the living room. He watched, as she sat down on the floor, surrounded by the bags and boxes of holiday decorations.
"Come here..." she said softly
Only when he sat besides her would Jude start opening the packages. Her happiness was so infectious. Smiling, he reached for a box, and looked inside at the exquisite silver, crystal and china ornaments it contained.
"These are great... You must have spent a fortune..."
"I don't mind." She stared meaningfully into his eyes.
"It's so worth it. We'll have these forever..."
"Yes..."
They worked together for an hour, testing lights and then draping them around the tree. They then artfully placed the ornaments and other decorations on it, as well as in other carefully chosen locations throughout their home.
Finally, only three ornaments remained.
"I saved the best for last..." Jude said, carefully passing the first one to him.
Tommy's eyes glowed as he took the small glass record into his large palm. It had Jude's name, the title of her last album "Breathless" and the release date embossed on it in gold letters.
Smiling radiantly, Jude passed him the second one, a large crystal star. This one had Tommy's name on it, with the words "Executive Producer" and the relevant date.
Reverently, they placed the two ornaments prominently on the spruce branches.
"One more..." Jude told him, carefully unwrapping it from the tissue paper.
"This one is my favorite..."
She held it out to him. Tommy studied it carefully. It was a small glass house. But unlike the others, this ornament had both their names on it, as well as a date.
The date she moved in with him.
He stared deep into her glistening eyes and felt a lump form in his own throat.
"It is the best..." he whispered, taking her into his arms.
"I thought so." Jude said softly.
"You thought... exactly right."
He gently eased her down on the soft carpet, right in front of the blazing fire.
"I love you." he whispered, as he unbuttoned her shirt.
Jude sighed in pleasure.
"Here..."
"Here... and now..."
Tommy's mind refocused on the present, as Jude began the finale. It seemed like she sang the song just for him.
"I'll be home for Christmas."
"You can plan on me."
"Please have snow..."
"And mistletoe..."
"And presents on the tree."
"Anything you want, girl." Tommy thought lovingly, as Jude starting walking to the side of the stage, a spotlight following her every step.
"What is she doing? She's not..."
The spotlight now included both of them. Beaming happily, she took his hand to lead him onto the stage.
"No..." he whispered, even as his feet started moving.
"Yes..." she replied, as the audience grew even louder and several women in the audience screamed hysterically.
"We didn't plan this..."
"I know..." she said and smiled.
He had no choice and followed her to the center stage. Together, Toronto's most famous celebrity couple began to sing.
"Christmas eve will find me."
"Where the love light gleams."
"I'll be home for Christmas."
"If only in my dreams..."
Jude then signaled all the other performers to join them onstage. Together, they repeated the last chorus of the song, the finale of the show.
The audience all sprang to their feet andgave them a standing ovation. After the first curtain call, Tommy slipped offstage, leaving the remaining applause to the G-Major stars.
"Magnificent!" a familiar deep voice said from right behind him.
"It's not... It can't be..." Tommy thought.
He turned and saw his father.